Reclamation of Batman's Swamp. 9 



Phillip and in similar places along the rising coast; and also 

 in the selection of places for townships, wharves, and docks ; 

 and, lastly, that it is important that our own coast be re-sur- 

 veyed for the sake of the life and goods in ships approach- 

 ing it. 



Art. II. — On the Reclamation and Cultivation of Batman's 

 Swamp. By Alexander Kennedy Smith, Esq., C.E., 

 F.R.S.S.A. 



[With a Plate.] 

 [Read before the Institute, May 5th, 1S58.] 



Mr.' President and Gentlemen — In preparing this paper 

 upon the reclamation and cultivation of Batman's Swamp, I 

 have endeavoured to make it more a practical digest than a 

 theoretical essay. 



Residing upon a portion of the Swamp, and having erected 

 the City Gas Works there, I have had a greater interest in, 

 and a wider field for observation, than those who casually or 

 occasionally visit that locality. The result of these observa- 

 tions is contained in this paper, which I have endeavoured to 

 condense as much as possible, consistent with bringing the 

 evil and its remedy fairly before your notice. 



This swamp is situated at the west end of this city, and is 

 bounded by the Murray River and Mount Alexander Radway 

 on the east and north ; by the Salt Water River and Foots- 

 cray on the west ; and by the Yarra Yarra on the south. 

 (See Plate.) 



All that portion of it that lies north of a line forming the 

 continuation of Victoria-parade, or Victoria-street, running 

 due west to Footscray, has been disposed of by the Govern- 

 ment, and the extent of the major and remaining portion, 

 after allowing a margin of three chains in breadth along the 

 Yarra Yarra and the Salt Water River, and also allowing a 

 reserve of 20 acres near the Powder Magazine and Railway 

 Station for docks, is 1030 imperial acres. 



The surface of this large plain is lowest in the centre, by 

 an average depth of 10 inches, and has no outlet either to the 

 Yarra Yarra or Salt Water River. This hollow or basin is 

 therefore the receptacle of surface water, and is principally 

 supplied by the Moonee Ponds district. 



When a heavy rain falls, this basin is filled, and overflows 



